After missing her period for three consecutive months, Celeste Waverly harbored secret hopes and went to the hospital for an ultrasound. The doctor stared at the test results for a long time before looking up with shock written all over his face. “Ms. Waverly, you don’t have a uterus at all!” Celeste’s first reaction was denial: “How is that possible? My periods were always regular before—it’s just that they suddenly stopped these past three months.” The doctor checked her medical records on the computer again, then told her: “Three months ago, you underwent a hysterectomy.” Celeste shook her head on the spot, her face full of confusion: “That’s not right. Three months ago I only had an appendectomy!” “The surgical records are very clear—it was a hysterectomy, and your husband’s name is signed on the consent form.” Unwilling to accept this, Celeste asked the doctor to retrieve that consent form. [Patient: Celeste Waverly, Surgery Type: Hysterectomy] [Patient: Celeste Waverly, Surgery Type: Hysterectomy] In the family member signature section, Dominic’s messy signature was instantly recognizable. This was definitely his handwriting. While Celeste was still reeling from the shock, the doctor suddenly discovered something else on the computer. “Your husband is Dominic Finch, right?” “Yes.” “He was just here earlier accompanying another young woman for a prenatal checkup. The pregnant woman is named Lilian Galloway—do you know her?” “He was just here earlier accompanying another young woman for a prenatal checkup. The pregnant woman is named Lilian Galloway—do you know her?” Of course she knew her. A year before Christmas, Dominic had been in a car accident, and Lilian had saved him. ***** Celeste couldn’t say how she managed to leave the hospital. While crossing the street, she nearly got hit by a car, startling the driver into slamming on the brakes. She was stunned for a moment too. But her mind was in complete chaos—she couldn’t make sense of anything. She and Dominic had been together since high school, from their student days to the wedding altar—fifteen whole years by each other’s side. Everyone around them knew that Dominic spoiled Celeste beyond measure. Even the second before that car accident happened, he had instinctively pushed Celeste away, while he himself tumbled down the mountainside with his car. And Lilian was the person who had saved him at the bottom of the mountain. After the accident, Dominic lost his memory, and Lilian took him in and cared for him for six whole months. After six months, his memory returned, and he rushed back to Celeste’s side immediately. He still loved her just like before. The first time he saw her again, he couldn’t wait to pull her into his arms, his eyes reddening: “Celeste, I thought I’d never see you again in this lifetime.” Celeste had always been grateful and nearly knelt down to thank Lilian for taking care of him during that time. She decided to have Dominic give Lilian five million dollars as repayment, and she even bought several apartments in downtown New York for Lilian’s family. She had once asked Dominic: “During the time you lost your memory, were you with Lilian?” Dominic had only held her gently, kissing her softly: “That’s all in the past. Now you’re the only one in my heart.” Celeste had been skeptical at first. Until one day, Dominic sent Lilian’s entire family abroad. After that, he even went to a tattoo parlor and had “Celeste’s Only” tattooed over his heart. He was severely allergic to tattoo ink and ran a high fever that wouldn’t break that night. Even while unconscious, he held Celeste’s hand tightly, comforting her in a hoarse whisper: “I’m fine. I just wanted to give you a sense of security. If I ever lose my memory again, I’ll know I have a wife just by seeing this tattoo. My wife’s name is Celeste, and I truly love her.” Celeste cried uncontrollably and finally chose to believe him. At every gathering or business dinner, Dominic would bring Celeste along. His buddies always teased him: “Dominic, you’re way too clingy with your wife. You can’t even go a day without seeing her—you have to bring her everywhere.” Dominic would always look proud: “That’s because you’re all jealous that I married such a wonderful wife.” Three months ago, they started trying for a baby. One night, Celeste suddenly had stomach pain, and Dominic rushed her to the hospital in a panic, saying she had acute appendicitis and needed an appendectomy. Celeste didn’t suspect anything. After watching Dominic sign the surgical consent form, she was wheeled into the operating room. Who would have known that what they removed wasn’t her appendix, but her uterus… By the time she got home, it was already dark. As soon as she pushed the door open, she heard Dominic on the phone. “Alright, I’ll come stay with you and the baby tonight. Don’t worry, Celeste’s uterus has been removed—she can never get pregnant again. No one can threaten our child’s position. I’ve already given her my love and the status of Mrs. Finch, so you’ll just have to be patient for now. Once the baby is born, I’ll handle the adoption paperwork and bring the child home. Don’t worry, Celeste is kind-hearted—she’ll definitely take good care of the child. She’ll never know the truth.” Celeste stood frozen at the doorway, feeling like she’d fallen into an ice cellar. So he had never forgotten Lilian at all. He wanted to make it up to Lilian, so he got her pregnant; and to put his own mind at ease, he actually schemed to make Celeste lose her uterus. Celeste still fantasized that maybe the doctor had made a mistake, or perhaps there were just people in the world who happened to share the same names—Dominic Finch and Lilian Galloway. But all fantasies ultimately crumble under reality’s hammer. Since their past love had been completely exhausted, she didn’t want to continue this charade with Dominic anymore. Celeste turned around and hailed a cab to leave home… The staff member at the police station’s records department carefully verified her documents. The clerk asked seriously, “Ms. Celeste Waverly, are you certain you want to change your name to Hazel Sherwood?” Celeste nodded in confirmation: “Yes.” The staff member asked again, “What’s your reason for changing your name?” Celeste replied nonchalantly, “I just don’t like how my original name sounds. I want to change it, that’s all.” In America, adults don’t need family consent to change their names. The staff member worked quickly, and within moments had completed the paperwork, telling her: “Your new name will officially take effect in seven business days.” Celeste thanked him politely: “Thank you.” As soon as Celeste stepped out of the records department, she ran straight into Dominic, who was rushing toward her. Dominic grabbed her in his arms, his face full of panic as he demanded: “Celeste, where did you go? I couldn’t reach you on your phone! I was going crazy!” Several police officers followed behind him. One of the officers laughed and teased Dominic: “Alright, you finally found your wife. Now you can relax, right?” Another officer said directly to Celeste: “Your husband was really worried about you. The moment you disappeared, he went crazy. Our entire police force was out looking for you. Thank goodness the surveillance cameras caught you going to the records office.” Dominic asked her nervously: “Celeste, what were you doing at the records office?” Celeste replied calmly: “Nothing much, just updating some of my information.” The officer added: “When we were checking the surveillance footage, we also saw you went to the hospital. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?” Celeste looked up at this man who always treated her like his lifeline. Why could Dominic be so worried about her, yet still have an affair with Lilian behind her back? Was it because of that life-saving grace, so he had to repay it with his body? Or perhaps, during that time, Dominic truly fell in love with Lilian, and even though his memory had returned, those feelings still remained? Seeing her silence, Dominic asked anxiously: “Celeste, why aren’t you saying anything?” Celeste gently pushed him away, her tone calm and distant: “I’m not unwell. I just went to check my blood type.” Dominic asked in confusion: “Why did you check your blood type?” Celeste explained flatly: “To make blood donation easier. If someone needs my blood, I can donate anytime.” Dominic finally breathed a sigh of relief, showing some smile: “You came to the records office to update your blood type information too, right?” Celeste nodded: “Mm-hmm.” The weight finally lifted from Dominic’s heart as he praised her with a smile: “Our Celeste is so kind, always thinking of helping others.” After returning home, Dominic’s dependence on her intensified. While driving, he gripped the steering wheel with his left hand but insisted on holding her hand with his right. Even during meals, he’d rather awkwardly use his knife and fork with his left hand than let go of her hand. Celeste reminded him helplessly: “Let go, it’s very inconvenient to eat like this.” But Dominic gripped even tighter: “I won’t let go. I’m afraid if I do, you’ll disappear again.” Celeste sighed. He was just trying to comfort her, and probably even Dominic himself didn’t realize this statement would soon become reality. In seven more days, Celeste would completely shed her old identity and officially start a new life with her new name. And she would be completely separated from him. After dinner, Dominic sat with her on the sofa watching variety shows. He peeled all the grapes and placed them on a crystal plate, feeding them to her one by one. Suddenly, Dominic’s phone rang. He pulled out several tissues to wipe his hands clean, then casually walked to the balcony to take the call. When he returned, he gently kissed her cheek and said: “Honey, something urgent came up at the company. I need to go out for a bit.” Celeste knew in her heart that Lilian had called. He was going to spend time with her and the child again. Although she was mentally prepared, when Dominic lied to her face, Celeste’s heart still felt like it was being pricked by a needle. She nodded indifferently: “Go ahead.” Dominic hugged her and whispered: “Stay home tonight like a good girl. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.” “Okay.” Dominic grabbed his jacket and practically ran out the door, driving away from home. On impulse, Celeste opened the tablet at home and launched an app. This app could sync in real-time with Dominic’s car dashcam, allowing her to hear sounds from inside the car. As soon as Dominic’s car left the house, the conversation from inside came through clearly. “I’m already on my way, just wait a little longer.” Lilian’s voice asked coquettishly: “Celeste didn’t find out, did she?” Dominic reassured her: “Don’t worry, she’ll never know.” Lilian’s voice carried a seductive tone: “Then tonight… shall we try something new?” Dominic’s breathing became rapid, his voice revealing desire: “You’re still pregnant.” Lilian said playfully: “Didn’t the doctor say during today’s checkup that the baby is perfectly healthy? And it’s been three months now, the baby is stable. Honey, we haven’t been intimate for so long since I got pregnant. I really miss you…” Dominic said in a low voice: “You little temptress, just wait. Tonight I’m definitely going to take care of you properly!” Dominic’s car drove all the way to his company building. It turned out that his previous claim about sending Lilian abroad was nothing but a lie. Lilian had actually been placed by Dominic in his company all along, where he could see her every day at work. Watching all this, Celeste suddenly couldn’t help but laugh. When someone reaches complete disappointment beyond words, they really do laugh. Dominic had woven a perfect yet false dream for Celeste, trapping her in this bubble and making her believe she was the happiest woman in the world. But outside this bubble, Dominic had long had another home, and would soon have a child too. Celeste felt that none of this mattered anymore—it was utterly meaningless. After Dominic’s car engine turned off, the dashcam should have shut down as well. But within minutes, Celeste’s phone buzzed with another notification—the dashcam had started recording again. Celeste opened the app and saw a scene that made her eyes burn. Dominic and Lilian were embracing directly in the car, completely forgetting the outside world in their passion. Lilian’s belly was already slightly rounded, and Dominic had one hand protectively over her stomach while the other pulled her forcefully into his arms. Seeing Lilian’s intoxicated expression and Dominic’s face twisted with desire, Celeste immediately turned her head and dry-heaved. She felt utterly disgusted. They went at it in the car for several rounds—Celeste didn’t want to count. By dawn the next day, she had copied all the footage from last night’s dashcam recording onto a USB drive. Five full hours of video with explosive content. Perfect as a breakup gift to put a sarcastic end to her decade-plus relationship with Dominic. At nine in the morning, Dominic returned home. He was carrying breakfast in his hands. Seeing Celeste standing on the balcony, Dominic asked gently, “Celeste, why are you up so early? Why didn’t you sleep in a bit more?” Celeste was watering the flowers on the balcony at that moment. These flowers were ones she had carefully nurtured over seven years—rare night-blooming cereus that had bloomed for the first time just this year. But she picked up scissors and cut off the flower that had just bloomed, then casually tossed it into the trash. Seeing this, Dominic looked surprised. “That plant was so hard to grow—how could you bear to cut it?” Celeste said flatly, “Night-blooming cereus only blooms for an instant. It bloomed last night, so there’s no point keeping it now.” Dominic laughed with some regret. “Looks like I missed its most beautiful moment. It’s my fault—I shouldn’t have gone to the company last night. I should have stayed by your side.” Celeste just smiled lightly. “It doesn’t matter anymore.” Dominic wrapped his arms around her from behind, his voice low and suggestive as he whispered in her ear, “Since you’re already awake, how about we… continue trying for a baby?” His hint was completely undisguised. Celeste really wanted to ask him coldly how he still had the energy to keep acting after battling with Lilian for hours last night. But when the words reached her lips, she found them pointless. Since she had already decided to leave, there was no need to fight. Celeste said calmly, “No need. I got my period.” Dominic’s expression instantly froze. “How is that possible? How could you get your period…” He quickly realized there was something wrong with his words and hurriedly corrected himself. “No, I mean, it shouldn’t be time yet, right?” Celeste looked at him and replied softly, “Maybe it came early.” Dominic said nothing more, but his face turned frighteningly pale. “Celeste, I need to make a phone call.” Dominic turned and went back to the bedroom. He picked up his phone and immediately dialed a doctor friend. “Doctor, wasn’t Celeste’s uterus already removed? How can she still have periods? Did you guys not do the surgery properly?” The doctor on the other end sounded very certain. “The surgery was absolutely fine. I can guarantee that.” Dominic lowered his voice. “Then why is she still bleeding?” The doctor explained patiently, “It could be inflammation, or it might be that your marital activities were too intense, causing mucosal tears.” Hearing this, Dominic’s tone immediately relaxed, even carrying some lighthearted laughter. “If that’s the case, then it makes sense. Last time Celeste and I… *cough cough*, I was indeed a bit rough.” The doctor laughed and advised him, “Calculate her cycle, and when it’s close to her period time, be more cooperative with the intensity. If there’s a small amount of bleeding each time, she’ll never discover the truth.” Dominic let out a cold laugh. “Good, I’ll do as you say.” After hanging up, when Dominic returned to the balcony, Celeste was still tending to her flowers. Only this time, instead of carefully pruning and caring for them, she was cutting down all the flowers one by one, pulling them up by the roots, and carelessly piling them together. Dominic watched her, somewhat puzzled. “Celeste, you usually treasure these flowers so much. Why are you pulling them all up now?” Celeste didn’t look up, her tone indifferent. “I don’t like them anymore.” Dominic stepped closer, probing, “I feel like you’ve been in a strange mood these past couple of days?” Celeste replied flatly, “I’m on my period. Emotional instability is normal.” Just then, the household maid passed by the balcony, and Celeste waved her over. “Maria, please dispose of all these flowers.” Maria approached and asked, “Mrs. Finch, should I throw away all these uprooted plants?” Celeste nodded. “Yes, throw away the flower pots too. Don’t keep any of it.”
The next morning, Dominic looked at Celeste’s condition and said, “Celeste, you haven’t been in a good mood these past few days. I’ve signed you up for a tour group so you can get out and lift your spirits.” Celeste calculated the time—there were still five days before her new name would officially take effect. “How many days?” Celeste asked him. “Three days, just to a nearby city, very close to New York. I don’t feel comfortable with you going too far alone,” Dominic replied. Celeste nodded. “Alright.” That afternoon, Dominic sent a driver to pick up Celeste. The driver said, “Mrs. Finch, I’ll take you to the airport.” Celeste said nothing and got into the car. At the airport, the driver personally watched her go through security, confirming she had entered the departure lounge before calling Dominic: “Mr. Finch, she’s boarded the plane.” Dominic gave a casual “Mm,” then instructed, “Stay there. Mr. Oscar Galloway and Mrs. Clara Galloway’s flight is about to land. Go pick them up and bring them home, and be polite.” “Yes, sir,” the driver responded. After the driver left, Celeste found an excuse to slip back out from the boarding gate. Celeste stood in an inconspicuous corner and watched with her own eyes as Lilian’s parents emerged from the exit. She watched the driver walk over to help with their luggage, respectfully inviting Oscar and Clara into the car, then busily loading their bags into the trunk. Celeste turned and hailed a taxi, telling the driver, “Follow that car up ahead.” After Dominic sent Celeste off on the plane, he personally brought Lilian back home. When the driver brought Oscar and Clara back, Lilian immediately ran excitedly toward them upon seeing her parents, throwing herself into Clara’s arms: “Mom, Dad, I finally get to see you!” Dominic immediately opened the doors very respectfully for Oscar Galloway and Clara Galloway, personally pouring them water, his attitude completely that of a future son-in-law. Dominic smiled as he apologized to them: “Mr. Galloway, Mrs. Galloway, I’m sorry that because of Celeste’s situation, you had to stay abroad for a while. Thank you for your patience.” Oscar waved his hand dismissively, chuckling, “No problem at all. You arranged for people to take us sightseeing everywhere—we both had a great time.” Dominic smiled too. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves.” Clara looked at Lilian’s belly and sighed, “Lilian’s already pregnant, and you’re still addressing us so formally?” Dominic immediately corrected himself, his tone perfectly natural: “Oscar, Clara.” “Now that’s more like it!” Clara beamed with joy. The living room was suddenly filled with a warm, harmonious atmosphere. Throughout it all, Lilian kept her arm tightly linked with Dominic’s, playing the perfect wife. She turned to instruct Maria: “Maria, prepare the guest rooms. Mom and Dad are staying here tonight.” Maria nodded in agreement: “Yes, Mrs. Finch.” Celeste stood quietly in the shadows, seeing everything clearly. She had long known about Dominic’s betrayal. But Maria’s attitude was the final straw that broke Celeste. It turned out even the household staff knew all about Dominic and Lilian’s affair, even addressing Lilian as “Mrs. Finch.” What was even more ridiculous was that Maria wasn’t the least bit unfamiliar with Oscar and Clara, showing no surprise at all—clearly she had known they would be coming back. Celeste suddenly remembered that it was she herself who had invited Maria to work as their housekeeper at Christmas. At Christmas, Maria had a disabled son at home. Celeste, feeling sympathetic, had given her triple the salary and treated Maria like family. During meals and trips, she always included Maria, never treating her poorly. Now even Maria was keeping her in the dark, deceiving her behind her back. Celeste felt as if her chest was being stabbed repeatedly with a knife, the pain making her double over, unable to even stand steady. Nausea suddenly surged up. She covered her mouth, breathing rapidly, tears streaming down like a broken dam, blurring her vision. Accidentally, her hand knocked against the wind chime decoration hanging by the door. The wind chime rang out. Dominic immediately heard the sound, his expression changing instantly as he shouted loudly, “Who’s out there?!” Dominic yanked the door open and rushed out, but the hallway was completely empty—not a soul in sight. Lilian walked to the doorway, tilting her head curiously. “What’s wrong, Dominic?” Dominic frowned as he explained, “I just heard the wind chimes ring, like someone was eavesdropping at the door.” Lilian glanced around and chuckled softly. “You’re being too paranoid. Those wind chimes ring whenever there’s a breeze—it’s not that dramatic.” Dominic furrowed his brow. “Maybe I’m overthinking it.” The driver quickly chimed in, “Don’t worry, Mr. Finch. I personally watched Celeste go through the boarding gate. She’s definitely on the plane by now.” Dominic still felt uneasy and pulled out his phone to call Celeste. A cold, mechanical voice answered: “Hello, the number you have dialed is currently turned off.” Hearing this, Dominic finally relaxed. He chuckled to himself, “Guess I really am being too paranoid.” Dominic turned around, pulled Lilian close, and led her back to the sofa as the door automatically closed behind them. Just behind that tightly shut door, Celeste pressed herself against the wall, her phone trembling slightly in her hand. She covered her mouth tightly, suppressing her sobs, and slowly backed away from the door. Celeste walked to the street and hailed a taxi, giving the driver a hotel address. The driver glanced at her red-rimmed eyes through the rearview mirror and asked curiously, “Miss, why are you crying like that? Did you have a fight with your husband?” Celeste wiped away her tears and said softly, “We didn’t fight.” There really was no need to fight anymore. Lilian was already pregnant, Dominic had brought over her parents, and Maria had accepted Lilian as the lady of the house. They were already a family. Celeste was just a pitiful joke in their eyes. At the hotel, Celeste collapsed on the bed and slept. She waited until she estimated the plane would be landing before turning her phone back on. Within minutes, Dominic’s call came through: “Baby, did the plane land safely?” Celeste replied calmly, “Yes, I’m already at the hotel.” Dominic laughed on the other end, “Have fun. When you come back, I’ll pick you up at the airport.” Celeste took a deep breath. “Okay.” After hanging up, Celeste went to the nearest bank. She withdrew all the cash from every account she had, then went to the nearest department store to buy a new suitcase and several changes of clothes. Celeste brought these back to the hotel and hid them as backup, ready to grab and go at any moment. After organizing everything, she suddenly remembered the kitten that had been sent to the veterinary hospital for ringworm. That little kitten was a witness to her meeting with Dominic. When they first got together, they had discovered this kitten lying dying in a street corner. They took the kitten to the vet for treatment and cared for it for three whole months before nursing it back to health. The day they brought it home, Dominic wrapped his arm around Celeste’s shoulder and said, “Celeste, from now on we’ll be its mom and dad. Why don’t you give it a name?” Celeste was only 18 then, and somehow became this kitten’s “mom” in a daze. Later, Celeste learned that Dominic had deliberately placed that kitten on her daily route to school, just so she would find it. When Celeste exposed him, Dominic just smiled helplessly and said, “I kept trying to run into you every day, but you treated me like I was invisible. I was out of options, so I had to pull this trick. Who told me to love you so much that I can’t live without you?” But could he really not live without her? No, he couldn’t. Besides her, there was also Lilian. He loved both Celeste and Lilian at the same time. Dominic gave Celeste his affection and attention, but gave Lilian his child—in his mind, this seemed perfectly fair. But Celeste wasn’t a fool. She wanted pure, clean love, not this kind of arrangement where he played both sides. He wouldn’t have to keep up his paranoid act anymore. Celeste just wanted to leave with her dignity intact. Celeste went to the veterinary hospital to see the kitten. The vet smiled and asked, “Didn’t the kitten’s dad come with you today? Usually you both come together.” Celeste replied flatly, “He’s busy.” The doctor nodded. “The kitten’s ringworm has completely healed. You can take it home today.” Celeste shook her head and said softly, “No need to take it. Please help find a reliable person to adopt it.” The veterinarian looked at Celeste Waverly with confusion, tentatively asking, “Are you two planning to have children?” Celeste didn’t respond directly, instead asking back, “Why do you ask?” The veterinarian sighed, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness: “Because we see a lot of cats and dogs in similar situations here. Their owners are preparing to have children and don’t plan to keep them anymore, so they leave them with us to find new homes.” Indeed, someone was about to have a child. But that person wasn’t her. Celeste actually felt reluctant to give up this little cat. After all, she’d raised it for so many years and had long considered it family. But she was planning to leave, and taking the cat with her would be too difficult—the long flight would be stressful, and she was afraid something might happen to the little one. Celeste actually felt reluctant to give up this little cat. After all, she’d raised it for so many years and had long considered it family. But she was planning to leave, and taking the cat with her would be too difficult—the long flight would be stressful, and she was afraid something might happen to the little one. Celeste actually felt reluctant to give up this little cat. After all, she’d raised it for so many years and had long considered it family. But she was planning to leave, and taking the cat with her would be too difficult—the long flight would be stressful, and she was afraid something might happen to the little one. Celeste took a deep breath and said earnestly to the doctor, “Please help me find a reliable person to adopt it as soon as possible.” The veterinarian nodded: “Actually, a young lady came to see this cat today. She played with it for a long time and seemed to really like it. Let me contact her and ask.” Before long, the veterinarian returned and told Celeste: “That lady has agreed. She said she’ll come pick up the cat right now.” Celeste waited at the veterinary clinic for a while and met the girl who would adopt the cat. She looked innocent and sweet, and when she held the cat in her arms, her eyes were full of affection. Celeste waited at the veterinary clinic for a while and met the girl who would adopt the cat. She looked innocent and sweet, and when she held the cat in her arms, her eyes were full of affection. Celeste nodded, agreeing to give the cat to her, and also slipped the girl a stack of cash. The girl was startled and quickly shook her head: “This isn’t right. I’m here to adopt, how can I take your money? Please take it back.” But Celeste insisted on giving her the money: “This cat is getting older and has a genetic condition, so it’ll inevitably need frequent vet visits. Consider this medical expenses I’m leaving for it, so you’ll feel more at ease taking care of it.” The girl’s eyes welled up with tears. She finally accepted the money, thanked Celeste profusely, and left with the cat. Just after Celeste saw the girl off, her phone buzzed with a message from Dominic. Dominic: [Baby, did you have fun today? I miss you so much.] Celeste stared at the screen and let out a cold laugh. Without hesitation, she replied: [Then I’ll catch a flight back to you right now. Pick me up at the airport in three hours.] Dominic replied quickly: [No, don’t cut your trip short because of me. Enjoy yourself, I can wait.] Celeste almost laughed out loud. Men’s devotion was more fragile than plastic. He couldn’t even handle this little test, yet still pretended to be lovesick. Dominic: [Did you take any beautiful photos? Send me a few, I want to see how gorgeous my wife is.] Celeste randomly searched for some tourist attraction photos online, removed the watermarks, and sent them over. Dominic still wouldn’t give up: [Why only scenery? Where’s my baby?] Celeste just threw back one line: [I’m tired, going to sleep.] Dominic: [Okay, get some rest early. Love you.] Celeste slept peacefully in the hotel for three days, fully resting and even making travel plans. She decided that after leaving here, she’d first go to the four Nordic countries to see the northern lights, then fly to Africa to see the grasslands and wildlife. Finally, she rented a deserted island in a small country. Since the island couldn’t be purchased, she signed a hundred-year lease in one go. That was the new home she chose for herself. In the future, she would face the ocean alone, welcoming spring blossoms, with no one to disturb her. On the morning of the fifth day, Celeste didn’t check out but extended her stay for two more days, leaving her luggage in the room so she could take it anytime. She composed herself and called a car to the airport. Soon, the driver arrived. The driver said cheerfully, “Mrs. Finch, you’re finally back! Mr. Finch has been talking about you non-stop these past two days—he’s practically worn our ears out.” Celeste ignored him and directly opened the car door to get in. She’d heard enough of these fake sweet words and was too lazy to keep up the act. When the car reached home, everything looked the same as when she’d left. Dominic opened his arms and hugged her: “Celeste, welcome home.” Maria also smiled and poked her head out from the kitchen: “Mrs. Finch, he told me early this morning to buy all your favorite dishes. I’ve prepared them all for tonight.” Dominic whispered in her ear: “They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Now that you’re back from your trip, your period should be over too, right? Tonight… shall we rest early?” Celeste pushed him away expressionlessly: “I’m tired.” Dominic tried to move closer: “You sleep, I’ll do my thing…” Before he could finish, the front door was suddenly pushed open. Lilian stood in the doorway, looking somewhat awkward: “Oh, Celeste, you’re back?” Celeste noticed Dominic’s arm around her waist suddenly stiffen. Celeste turned her head, her lips curved in a smile, but her tone was bone-chillingly cold: “Lilian, long time no see. Why did you suddenly come back? Couldn’t get used to living abroad?” Lilian held her waist, her smile looking a bit forced: “I… just left my purse at home. I’ll grab it and leave.” Just as she finished speaking, there was a sudden thunderous crash from overhead: “BOOM!” The massive crystal chandelier in the villa’s living room suddenly came loose, crashing down with countless crystal fragments and metal pieces. In that critical moment, Dominic suddenly pushed Celeste away, turned and rushed toward Lilian, throwing himself over her: “Watch out!”
When Celeste woke up in the hospital, her entire body was wrapped in white gauze, and the slightest movement sent excruciating pain through her. When Celeste woke up in the hospital, her entire body was wrapped in white gauze, and the slightest movement sent excruciating pain through her. A nurse stood beside her bed, speaking cautiously: “You have three fractures and seventeen hairline cracks. The crystal shards and metal pieces from the chandelier also left numerous small cuts. You’ll need to rest and recover properly.” Celeste asked weakly, “What’s today’s date?” The nurse glanced down at the calendar: “The 13th.” Celeste felt a wave of relief. Good—tomorrow would be the day her new identity took effect. She still had one last day and night. The sound of delicate high heels echoed from the doorway. Lilian walked in, her pregnant belly prominent as she pushed open the door. Celeste let out a cold laugh and spoke first: “What, here to see if I’m dead yet?” Lilian made no attempt to hide her smugness, deliberately placing her hand on her belly and arching her back: “Celeste, you’re tougher than I thought. I had Dad loosen all the chandelier screws, but even that thing crashing down couldn’t kill you.” Celeste asked coldly, “You’re that confident Dominic would save you?” Lilian lifted her chin with complete confidence: “Of course, because I’m carrying his child. If I died, he’d be left without an heir.” Celeste sneered, staring at her belly: “So you know all about my hysterectomy too?” Lilian suddenly burst into laughter, her voice venomous as a blade: “Ha! That was my idea! How else could I make Dominic willingly keep me around? He listens to everything I say now, obedient as a dog. Thanks for training him so well, Celeste. I really should enjoy the fruits of your labor.” Listening to her made Celeste feel sick. She raised her hand and pointed toward the hospital room door: “Get out.” But Lilian didn’t leave, her voice deliberately saccharine: “Don’t rush me away, Celeste. This show isn’t over yet.” Celeste became alert: “What show?” “Since you didn’t die from the chandelier, I can’t become Mrs. Finch. This scene is a special encore performance just for you.” As soon as she finished speaking, Lilian lunged forward, grabbed Celeste’s hand, and pressed it hard against her own belly. “Ah! Help me!” Lilian screamed while deliberately falling to the floor, crying pitifully: “Celeste, I know I was wrong. You can punish me however you want, but please don’t hurt my child…” The hospital room door burst open. Dominic rushed in, his face instantly turning pale when he saw Lilian on the floor: “Lilian! Are you okay?” Lilian trembled as she cried: “Dominic, it hurts so much…” Dominic turned and shouted: “Doctor! Nurse!” Medical staff rushed over quickly. Dominic lifted Lilian onto the bed, comforting her as he escorted her out, never once glancing at Celeste. Two hours later, Dominic finally returned. His expression was frighteningly dark, his voice low and controlled: “Celeste, why did you push her?” Celeste looked up at him and countered: “Shouldn’t you first tell me what’s going on with the child she’s carrying?” Dominic frowned, his voice even lower: “Yes, I got her pregnant, but that’s no reason for you to try to kill her! She’s carrying a child—if something happened, that would be two lives!” Celeste closed her eyes, her voice cold as ice: “She told you I pushed her?” Dominic said through gritted teeth: “Could she have fallen on her own? She’s pregnant—she wouldn’t be that reckless.” Celeste sneered: “The baby didn’t miscarry, did it?” Dominic’s tone wavered slightly: “No, it didn’t. But she was terrified. She looked so pitiful.” Celeste turned her head away: “Go take care of Lilian and her child. Don’t stay here bothering me.” Dominic sighed quietly: “Celeste, I know this is hard for you. But I promise you, you’ll always be Mrs. Finch. Even if Lilian has my child, she can never replace your place in my heart.” Celeste asked coldly: “Then what is she to you?” Dominic pressed his lips together: “I admit, when I had amnesia, I fell in love with her. After my memory returned, of course I love you more, but Lilian… I can’t let her go either.” Yet he still chose to believe Lilian’s suggestion and had Celeste’s uterus removed. This was his idea of fairness. “Celeste, she won’t compete with you. You’ll always be the one I love most, always Mrs. Finch.” Outside, a nurse poked her head in: “Is Lilian Galloway’s husband here?” Dominic immediately responded nervously: “I’m Lilian’s husband. What’s wrong with her?” The nurse smiled: “Don’t worry, she just woke up and didn’t see you. She wanted us to help find you.” Dominic nodded and said to Celeste with guilt in his voice: “Celeste, I need to go check on her first.” “Go ahead.” “Get some rest. Lilian needs someone with her, so I’ll stay with her tonight and come see you tomorrow during the day.” Celeste closed her eyes, her voice barely audible: “Okay.” Dominic hurried out of the room. Celeste looked at the empty space and smiled bitterly. She thought to herself: “Dominic Finch, in this lifetime, we’ll never see each other again.” After Dominic left, Celeste called her most trusted friend, Regina Harrison. When Regina arrived at the hospital and saw Celeste wrapped in bandages, her eyes immediately welled up with tears. “How did that crystal chandelier in your house suddenly fall? That worker was so irresponsible!” Celeste reached up to wipe away Regina’s tears, her voice calm. “Regina, I need you to do me a favor.” Regina nodded immediately. “Whatever you need, just tell me.” Celeste looked at her and said each word deliberately: “Tomorrow morning, take me away from here.” Celeste told Regina everything that had happened during this time. After hearing it all, Regina was so angry she jumped right out of her chair. “Just wait, I’m going to call Dominic over right now. He owes you an explanation!” Celeste held her back, her voice cold as ice. “A man whose heart has already changed is just a pile of trash. I don’t want him anymore.” Celeste arranged everything. “Tomorrow morning at seven, that’s when the nurses change shifts and hospital security is at its loosest. Come get me then.” That night, Regina stayed at the hospital with Celeste, keeping watch over her until dawn. At seven in the morning, Celeste changed into the clothes Regina had brought, got into a wheelchair, and Regina wheeled her out of the hospital. The moment she got in the car, Celeste felt completely relieved, like a huge weight had been lifted from her chest. She had Regina drive to the hotel first to retrieve the luggage she had prepared long ago. In the car, Celeste used her new identity as Hazel Sherwood to book all the flights for her upcoming trips to Northern Europe, Africa, and that island. At nine in the morning when the registry office opened, Celeste immediately went to pick up her new ID and passport. Then, without hesitation, she headed straight to the airport. Since Celeste had limited mobility, Regina found airport ground staff to escort her all the way to the plane. Regina looked at her curiously. “Why did you change your name?” Celeste smiled calmly. “I don’t want Dominic to find me. Whatever feelings I had left for him died long ago.” At the boarding gate, Regina gripped her hand tightly. “Don’t worry, don’t be afraid. I won’t say a word to anyone. Hazel, go find the new life that belongs to you.” Just as she was about to board, Celeste’s phone rang. It was Dominic calling. Dominic’s voice was still anxious. “Celeste, where did you go? You’re still injured, how could you just run off? I’m going crazy with worry!” Celeste spoke calmly into the phone: “The morning air is nice, so I had a nurse wheel me downstairs to get some fresh air.” Dominic sighed on the other end: “Celeste, last night when the chandelier fell, it really was an accident. I rushed to save Lilian only because she’s pregnant. My first instinct was to protect the child, I really…” Celeste cut him off: “Stop talking. I don’t want to hear it.” Dominic lowered his voice. “What would you like for breakfast? I’ll go buy it and bring it to you.” Celeste looked at the boarding pass in her hand and smiled gently. “Help me get something from home.” Dominic didn’t suspect anything. “Sure, what do you need? Tell me.” Celeste’s voice carried a hint of casual amusement. “In the living room drawer, there’s an envelope with a USB drive inside. That’s a gift I left for you.” Dominic immediately brightened: “You prepared a gift for me? Is it a souvenir from your travels? Celeste, you really make me so happy.” Celeste closed her eyes gently. “You’ll know when you go look.” Dominic’s voice carried a touch of eagerness. “Alright, I’ll go look right now. Celeste, I promise I’ll treat you better from now on. The fact that you prepared a gift for me really touches me…” Celeste’s tone was light and distant. “Dominic Finch.” “Yes? I’m listening.” Celeste’s voice seemed to float from far away. “Goodbye forever.” Dominic didn’t hear clearly and was stunned. “Celeste? What did you say? Hello?” All that remained on the phone was the roar of airplane engines and a gentle flight attendant’s voice: “Ma’am, please turn off your phone. The plane is about to take off. Thank you for your cooperation.” The call was disconnected. Celeste turned off her phone, removed the SIM card, snapped it in half, then handed the phone to the flight attendant. “Please throw this away for me, thank you.” The flight attendant nodded and smiled: “Of course, ma’am.” Meanwhile, Dominic stood frozen in place, as if struck by lightning. He hadn’t misheard—that was a flight attendant’s voice just now, wasn’t it? Celeste was on a plane? How was that possible? She had prepared a gift for him, so how could she suddenly fly away? Panic rising in his chest, Dominic immediately turned and rushed home, following Celeste’s directions to find that USB drive…
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